NIHSA warns that 10 states risk Flooding in 2015 rainy season

  

The Nigeria Hydrogical Service Agency,NIHSA warned that there are 10 states that are likely to be flooded during the 2015 raining season.
Moses Beckley,DG of NIHSA disclosed that the expected area of River flooding are located in Sokoto-Rima, Niger; Benue and Anambra state, during a presentation of 2015 annual outlook
While the Coastal flooding arising flood is likely to affect state like Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, some urban areas such as Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Sokoto, Birnin Kebbi and Ibadan.

He said that the factor responsible for the flood are from outside the boundaries and territory of Nigeria.
He called on Nigerians especially those living in flood prone areas to prepare for  the mitigation of any flood, in order to reduce the risks and losses often associated with flooding

“The rainfall cannot be stopped, hazard of flooding depending on the type can be contained.”

“Apart from rain, these floods could be attributed to low preparedness, poor drainage systems and blockage of the underground drainage by refuse which prevents free flow of runoff water and poor development plan or non-compliance by those affected.”

“If people do not take heed to these predictions, they will be greatly affected when the flood comes. There is the need to embark on prevention and mitigation measures that would ensure free flow of runoff into the drainages as well as good operation and maintenance of hydraulic structures such as dams and reservoirs.”

“These measures will enable us to live with flood, appropriate its positive elements and mitigate the adverse effects,” he said.